and ignite, ignite, ignite - meeting 12/31

[emberstar]

IT WENT FROM A SPARK TO AN OPEN FLAME ⋆⁺₊⋆ It had been a grim moon for Thunderclan since their last meeting. Emberstar could feel the weight on her clanmates as she padded through camp. They were all feeling it. This moon had been long and hard for the whole clan, and it was only the start of leafbare. Even she, despite her usual optimism, could not help the twinge of dread that came to her at the thought of the moons to come.

Emberstar took a breath before leaping atop highrock. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own pray gather around the high rock for a clan meeting!" She called, watching her clanmates assemble below. Even though leafbare had just begun, they all looked so much thinner. As if the weight of the clan's recent losses had made their hunger even sharper. The thought made her heart ache.

She cleared her throat.

"At the last gathering, I proposed - and the other leader's agreed to - a code for the warriors of all the clans. To hold us to be better. The first and currently only rule of which is "Defend your clan, even with your life. You may have friendships with cats from other clans, but your loyalty must remain to your clan, as one day you may meet them in battle."" Though it was her own rule, she could not help the disappointment as she recited it aloud. She had hoped the clans would be more than this, but the past moons had crushed those. This rule would make sure no one else suffered the same fate as Morningpaw.

Emberstar could not keep the fire out of her tone with her next announcement. "Patrols should keep a lookout for Trufflepelt. Though he was wounded and run off the territory, his attack on Howling Wind has already proved him unpredictable and dangerous. If he tries to sneak back into our territory we cannot let him reach the camp." Trufflepelt's betrayal still tore at her. She should have seen it coming, somehow, should have been able to protect her deputy. There was nothing more she could do now though, except take the chance to kill him if she ever got it.

She took another breath.

"Ragwortkit, Hollykit, Flickerkit, Toadkit, and Prowlingkit please step forward." Emberstar looked over the kits as they stepped forward. Each and every one of them would make good apprentices. "Do you promise to do everything in your power to keep your clanmates safe, keep their bellies full, and to keep them close as friends?"

They all affirmed their dedication, and she continued.

"Ragwortkit, from this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Ragwortpaw. Your mentor will be Little Wolf. I hope she will pass down all he knows to you. Hollykit, from this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Hollypaw. Your mentor will be Hollow Tree. I hope she will pass down all she knows to you. Flickerkit, from this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Flickerpaw. Your mentor will be Raccoonstripe. I hope he will pass down all he knows to you. Toadkit, from this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Toadpaw. Your mentor will be Stonepool. I hope he will pass down all he knows to you. Prowlingkit, from this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Prowlingpaw. Your mentor will be Oakheart. I hope he will pass down all he knows to you." She looked along them proudly. Despite the rest of the dour announcements this meeting, apprentice ceremonies were always a happy occasion for her.

"Now Lily, please step forward." Another new joiner, one who would need a warrior name. "Do you promise to do everything in your power to keep your clanmates safe, keep their bellies full, and to keep them close as friends?"

She waited for her to assent, then continued.

"Then by the power of Starclan, I give you your new name. Lily, for your quiet compassion you will be known as Palelily." She gave the new warrior a confident nod, it always warmed her heart to welcome a new face into the clan, even if she felt a twinge of worry about doing so during leafbare.

Emberstar's ear flicked. There was something else she had to address. "We also have an apprentice in need of a new mentor. Sparkpaw, your new mentor will be Wolfwind." She stated briefly. They were both newly in need of a new apprentice and a new mentor and it was her perhaps naive hope that they might be able to help each other.

// @Palelily @RAGWORTKIT @LITTLE WOLF @hollykit @Hollow Tree @Flickerkit @RACCOONSTRIPE @TOADKIT @Prowlingkit

/// ACTIVITY SHOUTOUTS FOR: @Sunnyday @nightbird @covecatcher @LITTLE WOLF @LIGHTPAW . @. Roepaw . @WILDPAW​

 

[LITTLE WOLF]

All of her loses and Little Wolf is still expected to act as if nothing has happened, to continue on with her life and serve her clan. She is not bitter like her son, but she is tired. She wants to rest, to sleep for a moon straight but she knows this is not possible. She is a warrior, after all. A loyal member of Thunder Clan. She needed to contribute. She knows this.

Still, she is not expecting to be asked to mentor again so soon after her daughter leaving.

She steels herself and smiles at the scraggly she cat. "Ragwortpaw, I'm honored to be your mentor" she says as she lowers her head to touch noses with the newly named apprentice, green eyes shining in excitement. "How about a tour of the territory? First thing tomorrow morning?" she asks as they go to sit. She hopes her new apprentice is as enthusiastic to learn as Howlpaw had been
​

 

[RACCOONSTRIPE]

( ☄. *. ⋆ ) Raccoonstripe leaves the warrior's den with glimmering eyes, curiosity ripe in the set of his expression. Emberstar sits upon the Highrock, looking gaunt and serious, a splotch of gold against the dreary gray backdrop of their camp in leafbare.

He sits near Little Wolf, though he gives her a wide berth. He loves his older sister, he does, but he can't forget her infidelity to ThunderClan -- to their family -- in a hurry. He looks at her with pity stark in his almost-black eyes, though he wouldn't want her to see that if she were to look back at him. Three kits lost to her, a mate, too -- and expected to go on as if nothing had happened.

Conflicting feelings, both of pride in her strength and disappointment in her choices, go paw in paw.

Nevertheless, Raccoonstripe is jolted from his thoughts as Emberstar tells the rest of the cats in ThunderClan about the law she'd proposed at the Gathering. The tabby nods briefly. He'd been there, had heard the decree, had seen each leader take it up. Aye, aye, they said, some more keenly than others, but now it was a law said before the eyes of StarClan, a most holy law. Raccoonstripe hopes his Clanmates can respect that now.

And the news about Trufflepelt... Raccoonstripe sinks his claws into the earth, and the surface wounds on his white belly begin to burn with the memory. A traitor, one he would gladly hunt down without mercy.

And speaking of traitors... Emberstar begins to call the kits from the nursery forth, four of those ill-begotten rogue-born scraps and Sunfreckle's held-back daughter. Though he gives the outside-born kits a cursory, disinterested glance, a ghost of a smile plays over his maw as Flickerkit joins them. Five moons, half-grown and finally getting to start her training -- her parents must be thrilled.

Emberstar begins to assign kits. He gives his sister a softer look as she's assigned a new apprentice, a replacement for the daughter she's lost, but Little Wolf takes it in stride. Wolfwind, too, given an apprentice to replace the one she's lost. He notes to check in on the once-fiery gray she-cat; the poor thing has lost her spirit in the days following that skirmish.

He's not expecting to hear his own name called, and when he does, his smile disappears like fog in a strong gale. "Me? But I--" Dumbfounded, he finds himself meeting the tortoiseshell kit's eyes. The very one he'd been making fun of in his head!

Emberstar must be joking, he thinks, but one look at her face and he realizes this is a serious assignment. Both ears twitch with anger and indignation, and he's about to say something when the cooler part of his inner voice begins to murmur, Mousebrain, don't you want to be deputy someday? Show them you can handle this, that you can be a good mentor. Otherwise, you won't get anywhere.

Still... to be responsible for a kit who'd run from camp and onto the Thunderpath, right in front of a ShadowClan patrol!

He sighs before stalking forward, lowering his face to touch noses with Flickerpaw. "We'll be sure to stay away from Thunderpaths," he mutters to her, voice dryer than a greenleaf breeze.​

( I CAN SEE THE SKY LIGHT UP , AND THE GROUND EXPLODE )

 

[Rabbitnose]

Rabbitnose was giddy with excitement for his daughter. He had made sure she was looking her best for her big day, reminding her to be good for her mentor and gently nudging her from the nursery to join the meeting. He walked with her, letting her know he was proud of her.

"You'll do wonderfully, I know you will!" He said.

You'd think he was going to explode from excitement.

Sparkpaw was a little less so. He was a bit gloomy, but when he was assigned to Wolfwind, he brightened a little. He looked over at her and shuffled over. He liked her, thought she was fun. And she probably needed a hug after....

He gave her a gentle headbump on the shoulder.

They were both hurting, and maybe..... They could help each other.
​

 

[WILDHEART]

"LITTLE HELLIONS, KIDS FEELIN' REBELLIOUS"​

---

It was that time again and Wildpaw moved to take a seat below the high rock so he could listen to Emberstar. So, they were to conform to some sort of 'warrior code'? Every clan? It was a surprise to say the least. It made sense, but he feared that the other clans would break it whenever things didn't go their way. Did that mean that clans would be held to account on such matters? Would the other clans ensure that punishments were issued if one clan broke the code? Also would more rules come to pass?

Wildpaw didn't get to dwell on it for long before things proceeded into matters relating to apprenticeship ceremonies. So the kits that Roepaw and Sunnyday had dragged in were finally going to join them in the apprentice den. Greaaaaat... even less space in the overcrowded den. Though he supposed it would make it warmer with all those additional bodies.

He chanted their new names, then proceeded to chant for Palelily, a new warrior in their ranks. It was proving to be a busy time.
​

★ ​

 

[Flamestar]

Flamewhisker — I'll sleep when I'm dead

It was time for another meeting. She couldn't hide her curiosity at what their leader would discuss today. There had been rumors about some sort of new code starting, but she hadn't really been a social butterfly the past few days. The red tabby would pad towards the group of her clanmates, giving them each a nod in greeting before sitting down quietly to listen. She couldn't help but shift her paws awkwardly, doing her best to ignore the fact that she was starting to feel slightly heavier now.

As Emberstar announced the new code, she tried her hardest to not glance at Little Wolf. It was no secret that the ebony warrior had a relationship with Blazestar...Her heart ached for her...hadn't their family lost enough lately? The rule didn't seem fair, but she could see why it was formed. It was to prevent another Morningpaw...I'm glad Flycatcher is here, and not in another clan..

After that, more apprentices were made, and Palelily was given her full name. She would chant each of their names along with her clanmates.
​

 

[TOADHOP]

Toadkit peaks his head out of the nursery, a shiver in his step as he emerges into cold air.

He's been told that he's meant to be at this... meeting. That he and his siblings are supposed to be there. He doesn't quite get why, but he pads towards the audience, sticking close to whatever sibling he can find beside him.

Emberstar talks about Trufflepelt, and Toadkit finds himself cowarding a little, body trembling from fear, rather than the frosted air around him. How scary, he turned out to be! Toadkit doesn't quite understand what had happened, or why the warrior had done what he'd done, but he'd heard tales from those older than him, and they were scary!

And, oh? The leader speaks his name? His siblings?

The small brown tom follows the instructions given to him, and steps forward. Were they in trouble? Did ThunderClan not want them anymore? It isn't until the question that follows that he realizes why they're here. They're becoming apprentices.

"Oh!" he squeaks, standing up straighter, pretending the cold doesn't bother him. It still does, but the older apprentices did just fine in the cold - and he was going to be an apprentice too - so he had to be just fine, as well! "I do!"

He's given his name change, assigned a mentor. Stonepool. Which one was that? He looks around, hoping to spot his new mentor in the crowd.
​

 

[ROEFLAME .]

I TOLD YOU ONCE, I CAN'T DO THIS AGAIN​

---

A yawn couldn't be helped as Roepaw made her way over, drawn by Emberstars call. Fatigue had a firm grasp on the apprentice as of late, despite her excitement for her siblings to finally become apprentices. Her mind bounced between dozens of ideas of what they could do together, she could finally show them her favorite spots around the forest- she could show them how to hunt- to track and blend in- she could…
Another yawn escapes her just as she takes a seat, but when green eyes blink back open they are beaming, fixated on the four kits sitting together, and she offers them an ecstatic smile, she hoped they would receive good mentors.
Little Wolf, Hollow Tree, Stonepool and Oakheart, Roepaw listens intently as the leader announces the pairs. Little Wolf and Hollow Tree are perfect, respectable and kind, while Roepaw doesn't know much about the other two listed, her paws shuffle against the ground as she gives a small subconscious nod of approval, hardly noticeable while Emberstar continues. By the time the chanting for both the new apprentices and warriors had begun, Roepaw's voice would be loud and proud as she recited her younger siblings names with an emphasis.
"speech."​

 

[Flycatcher]

The time comes for another meeting, and as usual Flycatcher can be dutifully found sitting below the highrock, waiting to hear what Emberstar will say. He sits close to Flamewhisker, who seemed a bit wearier as of late due to the pregnancy, but appeared to be in otherwise good spirits. He isn't surprised when Emberstar brings up the topic of the new warrior code. Given how much of a monumental change it was and how it would affect all clans moving forward it made sense she would bring it up early.

The next announcement is a little darker and regards Trufflepelt. Emberstar advises patrols to keep an eye out for him, and Flycatcher nods in agreement. It was hard to believe that someone who seemed as sweet and quirky as Trufflepelt could do such a thing, but Howling Wind's grievous injuries were a testament to what the older cat was capable of. Flycatcher had considered him a friend once but after what he had done all feelings of friendship had scattered like dust in the wind. Happier news follows as several new apprentices and apprentice pairings are named. Flycatcher listens to the new pairings announced and finds himself silently reflecting on them. All fine matches in his opinion and he was curious to see how their new apprentices would flourish under their mentors.

As celebratory cries begin to ring out, Flycatcher lifts his head and joins his voice with the rest of his clanmates.​

 

[Hollow Tree]

The air was still thick with grief, added with hungry cats. Hollow Tree wasn't sure when she would get used to Morningpaw being dead. Or when it would become normal to no longer see Howlpaw and Fireflypaw with their siblings. The brown feline found Little Wolf in the crowd of cats. She wanted to comfort her sister but she didn't want to be overbearing. Her mind swarmed with thoughts, blocking out anything around her.

Shaking from her thoughts at the mention of her name. Hollow Tree stumbled onto her paws. Giving a sheepish look at whoever caught her daydreaming. The warrior padded forward, looking for their new apprentice. Hollypaw. "I hope you're ready. There's a lot to learn." she aims to gently touch her nose against their head. Her yellow eyes scan over her siblings who received apprentices as well. Maybe they could all train their apprentices together one day.

She steps back to give Hollypaw space. Looking back to Emberstar she swallows hard before joining in the chanting for Palelily. ​

[ you fall through the trees . tags ]​

 

[hollypaw]

She'd been in the background, often times still sulking about being taken away from her mother. She doesn't like it, but... It felt like her and her siblings had just been pawned off and shes angry, rightfully so, she didn't really like Thunderclan because it was loud, constantly loud. Holly scuttles forth alongside her siblings, eyes slightly squinted as she searches for Roepaw. Emberstar says something about a guy named Trufflepelt and how hes really bad and also stinky and Hollykit gnaws on her lip.

...

Until her name is called alongside her siblings. Eyes go wide as if she were a deer, ears flatten against her head. No, no. Were they getting kicked out? Ok, Holly may have said she hated this place but she didn't hate it THAT much. "Uh-Uhm, sure..?" awkwardness ensues, what was she supposed to say?! Ragwort is called first and she slightly reaches a paw out for her before she huffs, looking away. Then comes her and she gets renamed, okay maybe she kind of does hate this clan. A frown as she looks over her siblings one last time, Hollypaw missed being just Holly. Holly missed her mom.

Hollow Tree approaches and Hollykit-paw looks terrified of her before the other gently leans her head down, touches her nose against her forehead. Her breath catches in her throat. "Uhm- Yes. Yes! I'm ready." a squeak. She forces her fur to lie flat, maybe... Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as she thought? She hoped so.​

"speech"​

 

[Prowlingpaw]

Hot yellow gaze stared daggers through the fur of Emberstar as she announced their apprenticeship and they lifted their chin rather stubbornly. This wasn't going to change anything. Their mother wasn't here to watch them grow into warriors', she wasn't here to yell their name or meet their mentor. Newly named Prowlingpaw hated it. This was a pointless milestone in their life and they would make sure that one day they could take down Thunderclan. Get revenge for their mothers actions and make sure she could come back to the clans.

The black apprentice looked in the direction of this Oakheart but made no move to greet him or touch noses or anything. Instead they just hissed bitterly, salvia flying from their lips and curled up on themselves in their sitting position. Prowlingpaw would be the best warrior, they will get Emberstar to change her mind about his mother even if costed them their life. This was determination in hindsight, but there would definitely be something to come of all of this. ​

 

[SHALLOW]

Shallowpaw was seating at the back to listen in on the meeting. He would listen to everything Emberstar had to say with a somewhat somber look. A new rule got implanted expected all of them to follow now not like that would be difficult for him. He was not much interested in the other clans beside Thunderclan to be blunt about it. There was enough of him having to prove himself to one clan, although in the current moment it didn't seemed to be going very well. He would only pick his head up when the apprentice ceremony would get brought up and a certain cat's name got called up. Prowlingkit now becoming Prowlingpaw. That meant both of them were apprentices now. Good for them he guess although he doubted the dark pelted apprentice felt much joy over it by the looks of it. Shallowpaw looked away again, drifting into his own thoughts.


​

 

[RAGWORTPAW]

This was the day every kit dreamed of. Excitement radiated from the child and she could hardly sit still, especially as she was beckoned forward by Emberstar! It looked almost as if she may just combust, her excitement too much for her adolescent body.

Ragwortkit is named Ragwortpaw, that was the least surprising part of the meeting. The true surprise came in who would mentor her, which warrior of ThunderClan would it be?!

Little Wolf, Emberstar declares. Though one could hardly see them thanks to her glorious bangs, her emerald eyes light up in absolute awe and glee. Albeit… interacting with Little Woof felt a bit awkward after… well… everything that happened. Still Ragwortpaw hopes to be the best apprentice she can be as she touches nose with the black feline.

"Okay! Where are we gonna go first? I wanna see snake rocks." She declares to her newly named mentor.
​

---

Spoiler: RAGWORTKIT | TAGS

( primary character / "speech" / ic opinions )​

╰ ★ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,
· RAGWORTKIT, female — she / her
╰ ‣ named for her health & strength at birth .
╰ ‣ 5 moons . ages on the ??
╰ ‣ thunderclan apprentice . loner born . believes in starclan


╰ ★ ჻ 002 VISUALS & AESTHETICS ,
· DOMESTIC FELINE, oak and maple trees , status — 100%
╰ ‣ blue furred . long-hared . a very furry head, chest, and tail


╰ ★ ჻ 003 MENTALITY & MANNERISMS ,
· ESTJ-A ❝​

EXECTUTIVE ❞ , Hufflepuff, Lawful Good
╰ ‣ Kind-hearted . Honest . Loud .Justice-seeking . People-pleaser . Gullible . Empty-headed . Humorous
╰ ‣ Though she is all brawn and no brain, Ragwort tries her best and carries a bleeding heart to all whom surround her. She takes the role of "big sister" with her siblings and friends, never failing to have their backs, take care of them, and defend them when needed (sometimes even jumping the gun). While she doesn't offer the best emotional support (not due to a lack of trying) she gives the best hugs and is great at giving cats distractions with her shenanigans.
╰ ‣ finds minimal difficulty relating to others . wears a bleeding heart


╰ ★ ჻ 004 INTERACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS ,
· GRIME x CINDERFROST, sister to toadpaw, prowlingpaw, hollypaw
╰ ‣ unknown sexuality.
╰ ‣ poor fighter . poor hunter .
╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .
╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.​